Jeremy Paxman is among those backing a Royal British Legion campaign to ask the British public to take part in LIGHTS OUT, a national initiative to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Andrew Robinson

“THE LAMPS are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time.”

A century after that ominous eve-of-war warning, the words of Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey are being used to inspire rather than terrify.

It is hoped a million people in the UK will light a candle on August 4, a century to the day that Britain declared war on Germany, “for a shared moment of reflection” between 10pm and 11pm.

Each candle or light will represent the estimated million servicemen and women who died.

Celebrities including Leeds-born former Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman and actress Fiona Fullerton have backed the campaign.

Across Yorkshire, the Lights Out campaign is backed by local authorities, stately homes and Royal British Legion branches.

Leeds Council is planning a late-night service at Leeds Minster followed by a remembrance event at Victoria Gardens which is expected to include a light installation depicting poppies tumbling down the war memorial.

At Castle Howard in North Yorkshire a single light will illuminate the gilt lantern, 70ft above the home’s impressive Great Hall.

British Legion branches will also play their part.

A service will be held by Wakefield’s Horbury, Sitlington and Ossett Royal British Legion and in Filey, Legion members and sea cadets will carry 73 lights in remembrance of the 73 local men who gave their lives.

Debbie Harding, area manager for The Royal British Legion in Yorkshire, said: “The Legion is bringing together communities across Yorkshire in support of our Lights Out campaign on 4th August, which aims to see over one million candles lit across the UK in commemoration of those who died in the First World War.”

There will be a candlelit vigil at Malton war memorial in North Yorkshire, a candle will be lit at the Book of Remembrance in Halifax and Blackpool’s Illuminations is organising an event.